The Pasaxon, the newspaper of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, ran an editorial on July 19 highlighting Vietnam’s long-lasting and effective support for Laos. Pasaxon newspaper on July 18th.  The article, titled ‘Continue to develop the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos,’ was published to mark the 36 th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty. The editorial recalled milestones in the special relationship between the two countries, including the recent completion of marker planting along their shared border. It conveyed the gratitude of the Lao people towards the Party, State and people of Vietnam for their valuable, timely and effective support during the country’s past struggle for independence and its current process of national development. The newspaper called on the Lao Party and people to enhance and develop the great friendship with Vietnam to create peace, cooperation and regional and international integration bringing happiness and prosperity to the two peoples. Vietnam and Laos boast a friendship first fostered by President Ho Chi Minh and his counterpart Caysone Phomvihane, a separate article printed on the same day acknowledged. According to that article, Vietnam has, to date, invested in hundreds of projects in Laos. In 2013, the Vietnamese Government will provide 825 scholarships to Lao officials and students, focusing on training political officials. The two sides are aiming for a 25 percent increase in bilateral trade this year, the article added. VNA